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Religion 344: Explorations in
Biblical Studies - The Bible, Moral
Values and Politics |
REQUIREMENTS:
Readings:
Readings
should be completed before the class
for which they are assigned.
Required texts available in
the book store are:
- Hoppe,
Leslie C. There Shall Be No Poor Among You
- Horsley,
Richard A. Jesus and Empire
- Spohn,
William C. What Are They Saying About Scripture and Ethics?
Readings on
Reserve in the library:
- Bird,
Phyllis A. Missing Persons and Mistaken Identities: Women and Gender in
Ancient Israel.
- Brawley,
Robert L. Biblical Ethics & Homosexuality.
- Gamwell,
Franklin I. Politics as Christian Vocation
- Perdue,
Leo G. et al. Families in Ancient Israel.
- Rogerson,
John. Theory and Practice in Old Testament Ethics.
- Siker,
Jeffrey S. Homosexuality in the
Church: Both Sides of the Debate
- Walker,
William O. “The ‘Theology of Woman’s Place’ and the ‘Paulinist’
Tradition’ in Semeia 28.
- Others
To Be Announced
Quizzes and
Participation:
Because the course is a
seminar, participation by students is essential. Participation includes
attendance and active involvement in class discussions. Participation
will be evaluated on the quality, not just quantity, of contributions to the
class. Effective participation depends on careful reading of assigned
texts. Unannounced reading quizzes will be given at the beginning of class
sessions.
Papers:
·
For each major section of the course, students will write a
3 to 5-page essay. Instructions for each of the essays will be distributed in
class.
·
During the second half of the semester students will write
a 10-12 page research paper. Topics will be chosen in consultation with the
professor.
·
Students are encouraged to submit papers via email (peggy.cowan@maryvillecollege.edu).
Late papers will be penalized one-third letter grade for each day after the due
date.
Presentations:
Each student
will present material to the class based on research and reading for the
research papers.
Attendance:
Because
the course is a seminar, attendance is expected and is a major component of the
participation grade.
METHODS
OF INSTRUCTION
While
the instructor will present some material, much of the class time will be spent
in class discussion designed to enable students to wrestle with the meaning of
difficult texts, raise issues, and explore diverse viewpoints. Thus
collaborative learning will be important. Reading, researching, and
writing carefully argued responses to scholarly material will encourage students
to learn actively through their own investigations and analysis.
GRADES
Quizzes
and participation
15%
Essays
55%
Research Paper
25%
Presentations
5%
Grading
Scale:
93 -100
A
73 - 76
C
90 - 92
A-
70
- 72
C-
87 - 89
B+
67 - 69
D+
83 - 86 B 63
- 66
D
80 - 82 B- 60
- 62
D-
77 - 79 C+ Below
60
F
CONTACT INFORMATION:
Office
hours are 11:00
- 12:00 Monday and Wednesday
9:30 - 10:30 Tuesday and Thursday
`
other times by appointment
My office is Anderson 307.
Telephone: office - ext. 8237
Email: peggy.cowan@maryvillecollege.edu
If you have questions or concerns about the course, or other matters,
please call
or come by the office.
HONESTY
POLICY:
According
to the Maryville
College Covenant, “As Scholars, we strive to maintain a high level of
academic integrity . . . . We commit ourselves to lifelong curiosity and
learning, to the search for knowledge, and to intellectual creativity. . .. We
commit ourselves to truth, honesty, dependability, and responsibility in all our
actions and relationships.” The commits expressed in the Covenant and the calling to search for truth in a spirit of
intellectual honesty defined in the MC Statement of Purpose standards of academic integrity upheld on this
campus and in this course.
Please review
the statement on Academic Integrity in the Student Handbook so that you
understand the range of behaviors that involve academic dishonesty.
Cheating on tests, inappropriate use of the work of other students or
sources of information, and any other form of dishonesty will not be tolerated.
If you are unsure what is acceptable, ask for guidance.
The
primary goal of this course, and all courses at Maryville College, is student
learning. Only by taking the
reading and written assignments seriously, participating in class discussions,
and doing your own work can you achieve that goal.
The instructor is here to facilitate that process, so complete your
assignments on time and ask for help as needed.
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